Hiring a car offers the best way of exploring St Lucia. Taxis are also available and can be hired for the day, while helicopters offer the island's most dramatic sightseeing trips.
St Lucia has a reasonably good road network. However, many roads are narrow, and mountainous roads are steep, often with hairpin bends which are not marked. In rural areas you need to watch out for livestock crossing the road.
The main cross-island road runs between Vieux Fort in the south of the island to Castries in the north.
Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road. Seat belts must be worn at all times.
Air: Helicopter transfers are available between Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), near Vieux Fort and George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU), near Castries.
In addition to providing a fast transport option, St. Lucia Helicopters (tel. 758/453-6950; www.stluciahelicopters.com) offers several sightseeing flights over the island. Scenic flights range from US$85 to US$175 per person.
Sea: Water taxis are an easy way to access private beaches or go island hopping. Boat charters are easily available at Castries, Marigot Bay and Rodney Bay.
Car hire: Hire cars are available in Castries, Soufrière and Vieux Fort from several international companies including Avis, Hertz and Thrifty, as well as from several local companies.
Cars can be picked up from either of the island's airports or delivered to your hotel.
A national driving licence or International Driving Permit is required to obtain a temporary local licence, readily available from car hire firms or police stations on payment of a small fee.
Taxi: Taxis are everywhere and resonably inexpensive. Most drivers have training that allows them to serve as guides. Tipping is unnecessary.
Taxis are unmetered, and while the government sets tariffs for all standard trips, fares should be agreed upon before setting off to avoid being overcharged. Always ask if the driver is quoting a rate in U.S. dollars or Eastern Caribbean dollars (EC$).
Bus: Local minibuses run between Castries, Vieux Fort and Soufrière. The buses tend to be overcrowded and timetables can be unreliable. However, they are inexpensive and offer an alternative experience for visitors.
Hotels and local tour operators run coach trips for groups.
Latest update: How to get around St Lucia: 8 May, 2022
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